Judge Orders Secretary Rubio to Reopen 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery
U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta in San Diego issued a preliminary injunction on Oct. 15, 2026 that compels Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reopen the registration for the 2027 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly called the Green Card Lottery.
Court Order Details
The order requires Rubio to publicly announce the opening and closing dates of a 30‑day registration window, the website for electronic entries, and the eligibility requirements. The announcement must be made no later than midnight on Oct. 15, 2026 and must be disseminated through the Federal Register and other standard State Department channels.
- 1Watch for the State Department’s official announcement (by midnight Oct. 15).
- 2Gather required documents and verify eligibility.
- 3Submit an electronic entry during the 30‑day registration period.
- 4If selected, follow the standard visa processing steps.
Source: Courthouse News Service
Why the Case Was Brought
Immigration firm Red Eagle Law filed a lawsuit in August, alleging that the Trump administration failed to open the lottery’s registration period on time and then claimed it was too late to do so, effectively canceling the program for this year. The firm sought a court order to force the Secretary of State to reopen the process.
Practical Impact for Potential Applicants
The injunction restores the ability for up to 55,000 people worldwide to apply for a U.S. permanent‑resident visa. Interested individuals should watch for the official announcement by midnight Oct. 15, prepare required documents, and submit electronic entries during the 30‑day window. Eligibility and documentation rules remain unchanged.
Next Steps and Outlook
Red Eagle Law has asked the court to extend the deadline by two weeks to avoid administrative hiccups. The State Department has not commented. The ruling does not alter the underlying law but ensures the program proceeds as Congress intended.
Anyone planning to apply should keep records of their entry and be ready to respond to any follow‑up requests from the State Department. Consulting an immigration attorney can help confirm eligibility and avoid common pitfalls.
What this means: our conclusions
- Good newsNew Chance for Thousands of Immigrants
The injunction restores the opportunity for up to 55,000 applicants to seek a green card, reversing the administration’s delay.
- ContextGovernment Must Follow Statutory Mandates
The decision underscores that agencies cannot ignore laws enacted by Congress, reinforcing judicial oversight of immigration programs.
- What to watchWatch for the Official Notice
The required announcement by midnight Oct. 15 is critical; missing it could mean losing the chance to apply this year.
- RiskPotential Timing Issues Remain
Red Eagle Law’s request for a two‑week extension suggests the rollout could face additional scheduling challenges.
- What to doConsider Legal Guidance
Prospective applicants should consult an immigration attorney to confirm eligibility and ensure proper documentation before the deadline.
| Aspect | Before Injunction | After Injunction |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Status | Not opened, effectively cancelled | Reopened with 30‑day window |
| Public Notice Requirement | None | Must be announced by Oct. 15, 2026 |
| Application Method | Unclear | Electronic entries accepted |
Source: Courthouse News Service
This article is general information based on Courthouse News Service and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 15, 2026.
Source: Courthouse News Service
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